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Oldest Pearl Harbor Survivor, 104, Flies Back to Honolulu

Ray Chavez, who lives in San Diego’s Poway community, boarded a flight to Hawaii Saturday, on his way to a special ceremony that marks the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. NBC 7’s Steven Luke has the story. (Published Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016)

A 104-year-old San Diego resident known as the oldest survivor of Pearl Harbor boarded a flight to Honolulu Saturday, where he will be honored at a ceremony.

Ray Chavez, who lives in Poway, will serve as a special guest of the 75th anniversary commemorative ceremonies on Dec. 7. Seaman 1st Class Chavez was assigned to the USS Condor. On Dec. 7, 1941, he was asleep at home after a minesweeping mission during which his crew helped in sinking an enemy submarine. His wife woke him up with word of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Chavez raced to the burning Pearl Harbor and did not leave for a week. Today, he is the oldest known living U.S. military veteran of the bombing raid that killed thousands and pulled America into WWII.

“I never will forget [Pearl Harbor] as long as I live,” Chavez said before boarding his flight at the San Diego International Airport Saturday.

WWII, Pearl Harbor Vet Spotted Oddity that Tipped Off Attack

Navy veteran Ray Chavez, 104, may be the oldest Pearl Harbor survivor. Chavez shared his memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor with NBC 7's Bridget Naso as he prepares for a trip to Hawaii to honor the 75th anniversary of the attack.

A special TSA line awaited Chavez at the airport, giving him his screening. And, as he made his way to his gate, stranger after stranger stopped him to take photos with him, shake his hand and thank him for his service.

Chavez said he’s humbled by the attention.

“Well, I’m not exactly a hero, because there were thousands of other heroes, too. But I’m very proud of the honor bestowed on me,” he added.